CONTACT US

 Bend Chamber
 777 NW Wall St, Ste 200
 Bend, OR 97701

 Phone: (541) 382-3221
 Fax: (541) 385-9929
 info@bendchamber.org
 www.bendchamber.org

Bend Chamber Weekly
October 31, 2008
By Courtney Linville, Communications Coordinator

This Week's Highlights....

• Unemployment numbers fluctuate slightly for September

• Local ski resort mentioned in Seattle Newspaper

• PV Powered, Inc. in the news

• City Utility Payments

• In the news

• Advertising Opportunity for Chamber Members

• Upcoming Chamber Events

Unemployment numbers fluctuate slightly for September

     While Jefferson and Crook counties saw a slight decrease in unemployment numbers for September, Deschutes County’s numbers remained the same at 6.8 percent.
     According to a release by the Oregon Employment Department, “Normally there is a slight drop in the September rate, as local educational services hire workers at the start of the school year.”
     The county did however lose 900 jobs in September, which is higher than the average of 610 jobs. The release stated the increased number in lost jobs reversed gains the county had made from February to August. However, there was also a gain of 180 jobs in local education and government positions in September.
     “Overall, the county’s employment has shown mixed trends this year, with employment flattening out after rapid growth in the past few years,” the release stated.
     The state of Oregon saw a decrease in unemployment numbers from 6.2 percent in August to 5.9 percent in September. Looking at the national scope, unemployment numbers decreased 0.1 percent.
 

     As northwestern ski areas prepare for winter, the Seattle Post Intelligencer recently published upgrades resorts are making, including Mt. Bachelor.
     The report states Mt. Bachelor has been busy by adding 150 acres of skiable terrain, spent $500,000 on its lift network, and purchased new snow cats and blowers to “improve slope grooming and parking lot snow-removal operations.”
     Mt. Bachelor is also shown as a gem in the region. “Famous for its deep powder, Mt. Bachelor is one of the region’s largest and finest ski areas,” said reporter Deston Nokes.
     Other ski areas featured include Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, and Hoodoo.
     For more information on the upcoming season at Mt. Bachelor or to look at ticket prices go to www.mtbachelor.com.
 

PV Powered, Inc. in the news

     Bend based company PV Powered, Inc. has received a lot of attention as of late in the news. Most recently reported the company provided the inverter that will be used at Columbia Sportswear Co.’s headquarters in Beaverton. Columbia Sportswear is in the process of installing a 100 kilowatt solar electric grid on the roof of the headquarters.
     PV Powered, Inc. was also recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories award under the Solar Energy Grid Integration System (SEGIS) program. This is a $24 million effort to develop advanced technology that will reduce the costs of solar electricity and enable “increased grid penetration and greater overall PV system reliability,” stated PV Powered in its recent press release.
     PV Powered, Inc. will lead a three member team and could receive up to $5 million during the three stages of the program.
 

     The City of Bend will soon no longer accept utility payments at the Building Department. Starting December 1, payments can be made at the Wall Street Annex located at 709 NW Wall St., located directly across the street from City Hall.
     Payments will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Non-cash payments will continue to be accepted at the drive-up drop box located in the City Hall parking lot and the walk-in boxes located just inside both entrances to City Hall.
     Utility payments can also be made online at www.ci.bend.or.us. For more information, please call (541) 388-5515.
 

In the news

     Scientists reveal germ Hot Spots: A new study by the University of Virginia reveals cold germs can stay on a surface for up to two days after being touched by a cold sufferer. The study followed 30 adults who showed the early signs of cold symptoms. Researchers tested the adults for the rhinovirus and also followed them home to perform tests on surfaces. About 40 percent of the time, commonly touched areas like refrigerator doors, handles, remotes, etc. tested positive for the virus. Researchers also smeared participants’ mucus on various surfaces to see if the virus would stick to fingers when various tasks were performed. Only 48 hours later, over half of the participants had the virus on their fingertips.
     Plane technology and the Artificial Heart: French scientists are working on an artificial heart that incorporates technology from planes and satellites. Sensors that measure air pressure or altitude could be used to detect the speed at which the heart pumps, and the pressure on the walls. Scientists expect the heart to cost around $192,000.
     Turn back the clocks: Remember to turn clocks back one hour on Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end and Standard Time resumes. Daylight Savings Time will begin again on March 9 in 2009.
 

     A great advertising opportunity is available for Chamber Members and it's right in the lobby of the Chamber! The lobby area has a large display cabinet which houses member information and other useful items.
     Sponsorships are now available for the display cabinet. This is a great opportunity for members to make a great “first impression” with visitors and newcomers to the area.
     In the coming weeks, members will be contacted by Profile Display Inc. to talk about this advertising prospect. Please do not be alarmed.
     If you would like more information about this opportunity go to www.profilemediagroup.com/profiledisplaymoviechamber and view a three minute video.
     If you have advertising questions about the display, please call the sales manager for Profile Display, Taralyn Glover at 888-545-9853 ext 106.